Temperature range 3.2

[Gunter]

My friend replaced a 1977-2.7 with a 3.2 and noticed a higher temperature range. He has an extra oil cooler in the front fender. With the 2.7, the gauge showed 170-180 but with the 3.2, it runs between 180-205. Even up to 210 on a hill climb. This is B.C. Canada on cool days. He is wondering what happens on really hot days. What is the normal operating range for a 3.2? Do they run hotter than 2.7's? Thanks anyone.

[AES]

The stock external cooler on a 2.7 is smaller and less efficient than the stock 3.2 external cooler. Higher operating temps are to be expected. If the temps get much above ~220F I would get a bigger fender cooler.

[Chuck Moreland]

The correct operating range for the 3.2 is the same as the 2.7.

The 3.2 produces more heat than a 2.7. The factory made provision for this by making an external fender mount oil cooler standard on the 3.2 cars. This has come to be known as the Carrera oil cooler.

Although some 2.7s came with fender coolers, most did not. I assume your friend's is lacking this.

Your friend would do well to add the fender mount cooler.